EICC Live - Hidden Treasure: Unlocking the Value in Old Tech

In a world where access to technology is essential for education, work, and everyday life, too many people are left behind due to the rising cost of digital devices. At the same time, tonnes of perfectly usable electronics are discarded every year. This EICC:Live, in collaboration with Edinburgh Remakery, explores the hidden treasures within old tech and how repair, reuse, and the right to repair movement can help tackle tech poverty, reduce waste, and empower communities.

Through conversation, stories, and practical examples, we’ll uncover how extending the life of electronics can bridge the digital divide, cut carbon emissions, and create fairer access to technology for all. Join us to learn how small changes in how we value our devices can unlock big social and environmental benefits.

Elaine will talk about the following

What is E-waste? – it’s the largest growing waste stream on the planet and yet what some see as waste is treasure awaiting a new life – helping our planet and our communities hear how she has developed a business around the Circular Economy opportunities afforded by adopting Repair and Reuse.

The entrepreneurial journey - she will outline some of the opportunities and challenges that the Edinburgh Remakery has encountered. Learn more about their innovative Tech Donation Boxes currently in libraries in Edinburgh and also how their Repair cafes are bringing repair and reuse to our high street

Behavioural Change – the double edge sword of consumption versus the need to preserve precious metal and reduce e-waste . Learn more about how we can help tackle digital poverty one refurbished laptop at a time

The EICC will also have one of the Edinburgh Remakery’s award winning Tech Donation Box there on the night so look out your old laptops, phones and cables and drop them into the box . We will then share the impact of the TDB after the event

Info: Light refreshments

Info: Elaine Brown is the CEO of the Edinburgh Remakery an award-winning social enterprise focussing on the circular economy. She joined the Edinburgh Remakery in 2019 bringing over 25 years’ experience of working in various roles within Local Authorities and not-for-profit organisations.
At the Edinburgh Remakery, she is driving forward the concept of Re-use and Repair and bringing it to the mainstream at their fabulous shop at NewKirkgate Shopping Centre in Leith. Elaine believes that this is not a climate emergency but rather a climate opportunity! Through refurbishing tech for sale & gifting and adopting circular economy practices, her business is helping People and Planet. She is passionate about tackling digital poverty and believes this can be done without impacting the planet – refurbished tech can be tech that can transform lives and help tackle e-waste. Tackling e-waste through refurbishment is good for business and good for the planet.

Info: At the event you will also get the opportunity to see a demonstration of the treasure inside your laptop and get hands on experience of opening a device – screwdrivers at the ready!

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Host or Publisher Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC)